PR91901

WORMS, Germany Oct. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

- Lightweight design and alternative drives go hand in hand

- Structural lightweight design complements existing product portfolio

Lightweight structural engineering based on fiber-reinforced plastics is

replacing heavy metal solutions in body-in-white and battery applications. In

addition, the technology offers significantly better design and integration

options. These lightweight designs particularly support the strengths of

alternative drive systems. Rochling Automotive is intensifying research and

development in this area. Several product segments benefit from this - for

example, load-bearing tubs and troughs, battery covers and underride guards, as

well as a variety of structural components.

Engineering plastics serve as the basis for lightweight solutions. Rochling's

high-performance plastics are combined with other materials as required.

Multi-material design produces components that are superior to classic

solutions. Peter Dill, Director Product Portfolio Global, summarizes the

advantages: "In lightweight structural design, plastics are the basis for

tailor-made modification of material properties. This opens up numerous

possible applications. The lower weight and the possibility of integration

offer a welcome opportunity to reduce costs."

Dill explains this using the example of Rochling Automotive's front-end

carrier: "Through functional integrations, we reduce the quantity of individual

parts. We can directly integrate and install lamps, sensors and active grille

shutters at factory. This makes handling easier and minimizes production

costs." The lower weight of the components extends the range of electrically

powered vehicles and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, Dill added.

In addition, Rochling Automotive is conducting intensive research on further

increasing strength and stiffness through continuous fiber reinforcement. In

so-called tape technology, additional reinforcing elements are inserted into

the components along the load paths. These "tapes" consist of extremely thin,

very long glass or carbon fibers embedded in a plastic matrix. The associated

local reinforcement ensures optimum use of the material. The material can be

subjected to high mechanical stresses. At the same time, the cost of tape

technology is comparatively low.

For Tobias Eisele, Vice President Sales & Marketing Global, the development of

structural lightweight competencies at Rochling Automotive is a logical step:

"We have already shown in various projects what is possible with lightweight

design today and the importance of structural lightweighting will continue to

grow. By expanding our expertise in this area, we are focusing on a technology

of the future."

You can find more information at

https://www.roechling.com/automotive/products-solutions/structural-lightweight

The Rochling Group has been shaping industry. Worldwide. For nearly 200 years.

We transform the lives of people every day with our customized plastics: they

reduce the weight of cars, make medication packaging more secure and improve

industrial applications. Our workforce of around 11,100 people is located in

the places where our customers are - in 90 locations in 25 countries. The

Group's three divisions generated joint annual sales of 2.039 billion euro in

2020.

The Industrial division is the expert for optimal materials for every use. We

develop and supply individual products made of plastic for all industrial

areas. This is why we have the broadest product range of thermoplastics and

composite materials. We supply our customers with semi-finished products or

machined components.

The Automotive division advances mobility. Our product solutions in the areas

of aerodynamics, propulsion and structural lightweight help solve major

challenges. We protect the environment while also improving the driving

experience.

The Medical division develops innovative, reliable, customized products,

services, and platform solutions for the healthcare industry. As a reliable

partner, we help our customers achieve pioneering results in disease prevention

and health restoration worldwide.

Picture at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com)

Katrin Hubong

Senior Manager Marketing & Communication

T +151 40669523

khussong@roechling.com

www.roechling.com

SOURCE: Rochling Automotive SE & Co. KG